Parade Turning 10
It All Started With A Few Kids On Bikes
By Cara DeGette
Photos Courtesy of Justin Bresler
For the Greater Park Hill News
It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 10th anniversary of what 4th of July Parade Founder Justin Bresler describes, accurately, as Denver’s largest Independence Day march.
The parade stretches along 23rd Avenue for 13 blocks from Dexter to Kearney streets. It has grown from an informal gathering of kids on bicycles riding up 23rd to a rollicking party of thousands, cheering on parade participants who come by foot, on floats, on motorcycles, in cars, trucks and golf carts.
Bresler, along with his wife Alison and their kids, have been integral in planning and executing the parade every year. He cites the phalanx of volunteers who have been integral – many of them since the parade’s founding. Three in particular – Mike Regan, Charles Newcomb and Michelle Golla – have been on the front lines.
But they are far from the only ones who have made the Big Show happen. The parades are always held on the 4th, and this year’s event kicks off at 1:30 p.m. If you are interested in helping out before, during and after the parade this year – including setting up, registration, being a course marshal and tearing down afterwards – email the organizers at parkhillparade@gmail.com.
This year Bresler is also offering a challenge to parade-goers who might consider stepping up their game: “Does your block float? If so put it in the Park Hill 4th of July Parade! Neighbors, band together to create amazing floats for the parade!” If organizers get enough entries this year, a winner will be crowned Best Parade Entry for 2019 and take home a trophy worthy of our ‘hood.
Bresler is putting out another special request. Every year, the parade has a challenging time finding marching bands to participate. Logistically, summer is great for many things in Colorado, but marching bands aren’t one of them as most of them take the summer off. “But if you’ve got a band uniform from high school, dust off your instrument and bring it to the parade along with some friends,” Bresler says.
Bands, floats, and all other entries – including community groups, neighborhood groups, superheroes and cartoon characters – can register online at parkhillparade.org. For ideas, check out photos from past parades at Facebook.com/ParkHillParade. If you are interested in sponsorship possibilities, contact Bresler at parkhillparade@gmail.com or at 303-918-6517.